“The Government’s response to the Public Administration Select Committee report ‘Smaller Government: Shrinking the Quango state’ sets out the plans for reforming public bodies. It includes new Triennial Review requirements for Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB).”

“In order to review the continuing need for the functions and the form of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, and its statutory powers to perform these functions, the review team is seeking evidence from a wide range of bodies in response to the two principle aims stated by Cabinet Office (as detailed above). The review would particularly welcome hearing from applicants (current, previous or those who may potentially apply) to the Commission.”

“Government plans to abolish a raft of quangos by ministerial decree will have to be completely redrawn after Lord Judge, the lord chief justice, attacked the plans as astonishing and a threat to the entire way in which the judiciary works.”

“The Ministry of Justice has today announced that a number of its public bodies will be substantially reformed as part of the government’s commitment to radically increasing their transparency, accountability and efficiency.”

“The Food Standards Agency is to be abolished by Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, it emerged last night, after the watchdog fought a running battle with industry over the introduction of colour-coded ‘traffic light’ warnings for groceries, TV dinners and snacks.”